Where Pets are Family

January 31st, 2024

Is it January still? This feels like spring
We are definitely not going to be complaining over here but we are strongly recommending that you give Flea and Tick preventative year round especially with temperatures like this. Ticks are hardy little creatures and start to move in temps as low as 40 degrees.

January 16th, 2024

Winter weather safety

Winter has arrived and with that comes some things to keep in mind to keep our pets safe. With cold temperature's, especially when we get to single digits or below zero, our pets should be limited on the length of time they spend outside. Booties can help protect their pads from the cold and salt. Coats are great too, but regardless they still should have limits on outside time. Pets can get frostbite and hypothermia. Remember to use pet safe salt. It’s always a good idea when they come back inside to wipe off their feet with a damp towel to help wipe away excess salt to keep their paws protected. Broken nails are common in the wintertime as dogs catch their long nails on the ice. Make sure to keep their nails trimmed more frequently during these months. Use caution if you have antifreeze around as it is very toxic to animals. It has a taste that animals find attractive and can cause fatal issues if not treated. Stay off water sources that may not be fully frozen and use a leash when walking on or by them. Animals can fall in and it can become a dangerous situation quickly. Don’t leave your pet in a car especially when it’s not running, it can become really cold for them quickly. Enjoy these months with your furry friends cozied up and playing inside. If you’re feeling brave and can bare the cold trek out and enjoy some safe outdoor adventures.

November 1st, 2023

Fall is here, Winter is coming-

With the changing of seasons comes new things and fun holidays, but also some potential dangers for our pets. There's festive activities, outdoor fun, yummy meals, fun decorations, holiday adventures, and so much more. It's fun to include our pets as they are a big part of the family dynamic.

Fun fall and winter adventures like apple orchards, pumpkin patches, hiking, skijoring, and sledding are all fun options to do with your dogs. Whereas cats usually stick to their routines regardless of the season, unless they like to dress up for Halloween or are going to make appearances in your Holiday photos, fluffy will probably stick to their "eat and sleep routine."

There are risks with holiday decorations and pets to be cautious with. It may be pretty and festive but, depending on your pet, many things can pose a potential intestinal blockage if ingested by them. Things like yarn, tinsel, ornaments, and stuffed decorations (Fido might think it is a new toy you put out) all can be a big risk. Christmas trees are a staple during the holidays, but to Fluffy it looks like a high scratching post and fun hideout, which can cause trees to tip over and be a safety risk.

If you're one to dress up your pet for halloween or holiday photos, make sure your pet is comfortable with such. Never leave them unattended with these items on, as some can pose dangers.

With holidays comes food, lots of delicious food, and although it is good for us, not all food is safe for your pet. Things like onions, garlic, turkey/ham bones, xylitol, chocolate, grapes and raisins, pineapple upside-down cake, macadamia nuts, unbaked dough, and alcohol are just some of the many dangerous and toxic holiday foods. Make sure to keep your pets out of the kitchen this time of year and never leave food presents under the tree, or you will find yourself having your holiday interrupted by a vet visit.

Family gatherings are fun, but can be stressful to our pets, so keep that in mind. To help with anxiety, kennel or using calming medication when you have extra people at your house. These are helpful ways to keep them calm during the stressful holidays.

Fun outdoor activities are great and help keep Fido active through the season and help bust bordem. Fall hikes are a fun activity. Know your dog and don't overdo it, unless they are used to long hiking adventures. Bring water to keep them hydrated and keep them from drinking from puddles (risk of contracting Leptospirosis ). Also, keep them from eating moldy leaves and mushrooms as these can be toxic. Winter activities are great too. There is some risk with frostbite in the winter time so limit their outdoor activity when the temps dip too low. Try to use things like booties, mushers paw, and a pet coat if they do activities outside. Keep their nails trimmed during this season as well because the ice can catch their nails during play causing them to break.

The most important thing this season is to keep them safe and happy and enjoy the season.

August 1st, 2023

Keep your furry friends safe this summer. Hot temperatures are welcome after spending too many months in the frozen north. However, when temps or humidity are too high it can become unsafe for our pets. Like people, pets can be at risk for heat stroke. It’s best to take precautions in the summer heat by limiting their outside time to the less hot times like dawn and dusk. Limit excessive exercise. Avoid cement and pavement during the hottest parts of the day as it can become very hot and burn their pads. Don’t take your pet in the car if they can’t go with you to where you’re going, the summer heat can raise the temps in your car and become a danger in very little time.

With the summer heat always offer fresh cold water and replenish it as needed. Always take a water dish with you when you are out and about with your pet. You can offer pet-safe ice cream or frozen treats.